Tips to keep Halloween safe and fun

The Joker, a.k.a. Derek Morales, was one of an estimated 4,000 trick or treaters at Fright on Franklin last year. This year's event will be 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.(Photo: TONY CENTONZE / FOR THE LEAF-CHRONICLE)Buy Photo

With Halloween just around the corner, kids across Clarksville are looking forward to a night of candy, gentle scares and fun. For parents, however, the night brings some safety concerns.

Knowing when to allow children to trick-or-treat alone and learning how to encourage them to practice safe habits are vital to enjoying the holiday. Practicing these tips and tricks, however, will ensure that Halloween fun is had in the safest way possible.

Aeva Jackson has worked as a nanny for more than 36 years in Middle Tennessee and offers advice and consultation upon recommendation. She explains the struggle that parents experience at Halloween.

"I think one of the most common questions that I get this time of year is whether or not it is appropriate to allow children to trick-or-treat by themselves."

Jackson explains that with changing culture, rules must change.

"We don't live in the era of Main Street, USA and the milkman anymore," says Jackson. "As our society has become more dangerous I have cautioned parents to consider the neighborhoods in which they live and the maturity of their child.

"If you feel you are in a safe area, though, and feel that your child can be responsible and cautious, I would still recommend letting children aged 11 and older trick-or-treat in groups of five or more children. What better night to allow them to taste a bit of independence and fun?"

For younger children, Jackson suggests following closely behind while letting them experience a bit of freedom with their friends.

"If they're within your general sightline I think it's valuable to allow them to roam a bit."

Once they're out and about, the dangers of Halloween are much less sensational than parents have often been led to believe. While stories of razor blade-filled candy are told at least a dozen times each Oct. 31, the real dangers to children are much more commonplace.

"The truest danger to children on Halloween," says Jackson, "is traffic.

People understand to look out for children on Halloween, but they still have to drive. Add to that the fact that college-aged adults are out partying and consuming alcohol and you suddenly have dangerous roads."

Jackson encourages parents to add reflective tape to their children's costumes, make sure that each child has a flashlight, and to go over basic pedestrian rules such as looking both ways before crossing the street.

Safety should be considered when choosing and modifying a costume, as well. Costumes that fit poorly can cause trips and falls, which is dangerous not only due to passing traffic, but because of the added debris along sidewalks in the form of pumpkins and decorations.

Many parenting experts also recommend face paint rather than masks, which can obstruct vision and breathing and can lead to disorientation for young children.

Lastly, there is the issue of the candy that they bring home.

"While poisoned candy is as much a wive's tale as a reality, it is still important to go through your children's candy. Throw away pieces that are open as well as homemade goods if you don't know the baker," say Jackson.